UNDERNEATH
Hanson
(True North/Universal)
Yep, it's that Hanson; the MmmBop tykes. Only Zac, Ike and Taylor aren't exactly tykes anymore. So naturally, their third studio album Underneath finds the Oklahoma siblings trying to put away the bubbly Motown pop of their youth for more mature pursuits.
Not that they've gone goth or anything; the power-pop guitar crunch, soulful-beyond-their-years vocals and shimmering harmonies that define their signature sound are still in full effect.
But on these 15 cuts -- some co-written by the likes of Matthew Sweet -- that sonic weaponry is deployed in the service of strummy heartland rockers, overly earnest groove-pop and soppy ballads reminiscent of John Mayer. Admittedly, nothing here will make you forget MmmBop.
But if any of it helps you remember Hanson for any other reason, then Underneath has done its job.
Track Listing
1. Strong Enough to Break
2. Dancing in the Wind
3. Penny & Me
4. Underneath
5. Misery
6. Lost Without Each Other
7. When You're Gone
8. Broken Angel
9. Deeper
10. Get Up & Go
11. Crazy Beautiful
12. Hey
13. Believe